Revenue and Constant Currency Growth
Quarterly revenue of ~$587–$590M, up 1% as reported and up 3% on a constant currency basis excluding service revenue amortization. Growth driven by strong Italy performance and favorable U.S. mix.
Adjusted EBITDA Expansion
Adjusted EBITDA of $287M, up 15% as reported and up 5% at constant currency. Reported EBITDA margin nearly 49% (approximately 42% excluding increased license fee amortization).
Strong iLottery Momentum
Global iLottery wagers increased 30% in Q1; U.S. wagers up 36%; Italy wagers up 27%. 11 iLottery platforms deployed and e-instant content across 12 jurisdictions.
Italy Retail and Product Innovation
Italy same-store sales grew 3%; successful launches of Infinity Instants (€5/€10) and Milione Di Manta (€30) which set a new single-day wagering record. B2C digital buildout progressing with ~1M monthly app users and full mobile wagering planned later in Q2.
Balance Sheet and Liquidity Strength
Ended the quarter with net debt leverage of 2.4x and total liquidity of ~€1.8B after paying the final Italy license installment; expect leverage to peak around 3.5x midyear then decline. Revolver refinanced to March 2031 and €200M term loan repaid.
Shareholder Returns and Capital Allocation
Returned >$70M to shareholders in Q1 ($30M share repurchases, $42M dividend / $0.23 per share). Ongoing $500M buyback program ~60% executed and ordinary dividend increased ~15% over past two quarters (paused this quarter).
Operational Efficiency and Cost Programs
Optima efficiency program and AI-driven initiatives contributed to flow-through and cost savings; management cited ongoing productivity gains supporting margin expansion.
Growth Investments and New Market Initiatives
Investing in self-service vending machines (cashless capability), national retailer rollout in the U.S., Sao Paulo full-service lottery build (digital H2 2026, retail 2027), and Italy terminal upgrades (Q3 completion).